A stunning, terrifying novel about a house the color of blood and the two sisters who are trapped there, by The Dead House author Dawn Kurtagich
When Silla and Nori arrive at their aunt’s home, it’s immediately clear that the “blood manor” is cursed. The creaking of the house and the stillness of the woods surrounding them would be enough of a sign, but there are secrets too–the questions that … sign, but there are secrets too–the questions that Silla can’t ignore: Who is the beautiful boy that’s appeared from the woods? Who is the man that her little sister sees, but no one else? And why does it seem that, ever since they arrived, the trees have been creeping closer?
Filled with just as many twists and turns as The Dead House, and with achingly beautiful, chilling language that delivers haunting scenes, AND THE TREES CREPT IN is the perfect follow-up novel for master horror writer Dawn Kurtagich.
I’ve been going back and forth with being in a book slump lately, but holy moly did I love this story! I loved the weirdness, the dark aspects, the sister bond, the romantic bond, and the atmosphere in general.
Silla was a character that had her struggles, so many struggles, and sometimes she was likable and sometimes she was not, yet I loved her and being inside her head. Nori, her sister, was just sweet as pie, the cutest little thing ever! And Gowan really brought a lot to the story, with his humor, his determination, and his strength.
The idea of the trees creeping in closer was just really cool, because trees are just awesome in general. I pretty much knew the twist early on, but it didn’t take away from the story—it just made me want to know if I was actually right. There were some other cool things I didn’t guess, though. Oh, and it takes a lot for me to cry during books, yet I did shed some tears during this one! I will definitely be reading more from this author!
3 stars to Dawn Kurtagich’s And the Trees Crept In, a suspense and horror novel that at points I wanted to give a 5, but at others, a 1. It was insanity wrapped up in a bowl of champagne (pure delight which I love) spoiled by mushrooms (the devil’s lurid food which I ate) and so forth. I settled on a 3… but not convinced of it.
Story
Silla and Nori show up on their aunt’s doorstep far away from their parents’ home, claiming their mother sent them for a visit. Aunt Cath finds it strange and worries that “he’ll never let them leave,” thus beginning the horror and suspense. As time progresses, Cath begins to go crazy and the trees that surround the house (initially hundreds of feet away) start creeping closer day by day. They hear voices. They see ghosts. They fear World War 3 has begun. The mail stops. And then it gets even crazier… Cath tells them the “Creeper Man” has come back, but then she disappears to the attic where she paces the floor nightly. Suffice to say… nothing is what it seems, and the crazy continues until the last twenty pages when it all comes together. But the path there is quite confounding and elaborate. <>
Strengths
The story is compelling. Two little girls frightened by either their imagination or something dark and real. But it happens every generation, just as it did to the girls’ mother and aunts. With each page, you feel the drama exploding and you are very intensely interested in what’s real and what’s blurry. You will definitely be drawn in by the characters and the plot.
Suggestions
Too little is left out. Until the end, you really don’t know the time frame of the story. Once you realize they are talking about World War 3, you realize it’s in the future, but uncertain how far. You know it’s in England, as they reference London a few times, but no real knowledge other than that. I believe it’s intentional, but I think it could have been done in a more clear way.
The formatting alters too frequently. Sometimes you are reading journal entries, sometimes you are reading narrative. The voice changes as character views change. I understand it’s intentional, and necessary in order to keep some of the story’s secrets, but I feel like it could have been done in a stronger way. For example (without giving away any secrets), more about what happened to the original young sisters should have been more dramatic, scary and eventful. We knew something happened, but not exactly what it was. If it had been more intense, the impact on the newer generation could have been more dramatic instead of erratic. Drama and suspense coming from reality is far more scary than something you know will end up being “made up.”
Final Thoughts
I found myself skimming the middle section a bit. It got repetitive. The editor should have cut about 25% of the middle to make room for true action and scare, instead of the over-use of the same words and dreams. It would have propelled the story much more, and likely created even more of a fear-factor. That said, it is still an interesting read, worth a gander for those who are fan of a mega twist, fear and the past-come-back-to-haunt-you. But go in with open eyes as you will read the same words over and over again until the point you need to word-vomit. I think that’s a new term…
This was such a great and creepy book! Kurtagich masterly weaved so many elements that you didn’t know what was really going on until the big reveal at the end!
Only read a sample but was hooked. Cant wait to finish this book! A real page turner!
I really enjoyed this book. i wasnt sure at first but I had to keep reading it. i had to see it to the end and i am glad I did thanks for a good read.